What’s the Difference Between Wilds & Scatter Symbols in Online Slots?

Online slots have become very popular among gamblers over the years. Still, many players don’t understand all those symbols appearing on the reels. Although regular icons also award wins, it’s special elements and their purpose that attract more attention.

These symbols can help create winning combinations, bring more prizes, or trigger the game’s bonus round. Today, we’re going to see what these symbols mean and what benefits they bring for players.

What Is a Wild Symbol?

Wilds are one of the most familiar game symbols you’ll encounter, very helpful ones indeed. They will randomly appear on the reels, substituting for other regular symbols. That way, they will help players create additional winning combinations and claim more wins.

Developers include them in their video slot games to make them more exciting and appealing to players.

Wilds are very powerful symbols and can have a significant impact on the gameplay. The fact they appear without any warning only further adds to the excitement. There are certain variations among Wilds, which depend on a specific slot game. However, in general, Wilds can replace all symbols except Scatters.

Types of Wild Symbols

There are many different types of Wild symbols available. Their specific characteristics may vary from slot to slot, with new ones appearing almost on a regular basis. We’re going to mention a few types, which are encountered most often:

• Stacked Wilds. They are usually part of clusters of Wild symbols. Such clusters appear on the same reel and significantly increase players’ chances of winning.
• Shifting Wilds. Shifting Wilds replace symbols on the leftmost or the rightmost reel and then move along one space on the next spin. They will continue moving until they reach the end of the grid on the other side.
• Wandering Wilds. They remain on the reels for more than just one spin. Although they resemble Shifting Wilds, they can appear anywhere on the grid.
• Expanding Wilds. After appearing on any of the reels’ positions, expanding Wilds can expand to cover a reel completely.
• Sticky Wilds. They stay on the reels for a certain number of spins.
• Overlay Wilds. These Wild appear stacked in a particular shape. They can also take over other symbols, although not different types of Wilds.

What Is a Scatter Symbol?

This is another special symbol that can be very useful for players, as it unlocks slot features and extra rounds. Using Scatter symbols, slot lovers can make the most out of Free Spins and other bonuses.

Just like Wilds, Scatters also appear at random, which means players can’t do anything to get them. In most cases, Scatters will be among the slot’s highest-paying symbols. That’s why slot lovers enjoy seeing them land on the reels.

Scatters appear different from other regular icons, so it’s likely you’re going to notice them when they land. To use them in the best way, you’ll usually need at least three of a kind on the grid. Only then will they be able to trigger the bonus round or a feature.